William "Bill" Ellis

Beloved husband, father, brother, and friend passed away October 2, 2026.

Bill was born January 10, 1939, to Erwin and Ruth Ellis (Davidson) in Brainerd, MN. He spent his first few years living on the family farm. Jobs in the shipyards of Bremerton, WA and McNary Dam, Oregon caused the whole family to move west. The family moved back to Pine River in 1951 where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Dad and his 3 sisters helped with chores for horses, sheep and cows. Ruth and Erwin later adopted Kristine into their home after many years of fostering. He was the only boy and grandma spoiled him.

Bill learned how to work hard on the farm. He was a good athlete in school; he lettered in football and track. He held the school record for a time in the 440yd dash. Bill graduated from Pine River High School in 1957 and joined the US Air Force. He spent time in California, England and other short TDY areas. After his military service he returned to Minnesota, worked as an airplane mechanic, and met Margaret Land (Ellis), who happened to be rooming with some gals from Pine River. They started dating since they both worked night shifts and in 1964, they were married in Isanti. Dad gained 8 nieces and nephews with one still to come. Their own family started 9 months later when Kirsten was born. Margaret and Bill moved back to the Pine River area and eventually built a house in Jenkins. There were 5 children: Kirsten, Kimberly, Peggy, Steven and Jonathon. 

Mom and dad filled our lives with family, fishing, gardening, skiing, cards/games, school and church activities. They were our cheerleaders for every endeavor. That was the same for the grandchildren that arrived as well. Dad escaped to Canada every year to enjoy his #1 hobby….fishing and enjoyed other hobbies as well such as bowling league, card club, and cribbage league. He did mowing duties at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. For the last several years mom and dad enjoyed the friends and coffee time at Lakes Latte in Pequot. He was a jokester with a mischievous disposition (just ask the waitresses in the area). His wife, Margaret, had the job of keeping him in line. Many laughs have been had over the years and he will be greatly missed.

Bill leaves behind a wife, Margaret (Land); 5 children, Kirsten Ellis, Kimberly Pierson (Mike), Peggy Bach (Kevin), Steven Ellis (Katy) and Jonathan (Kelley); 3 sisters, Bonnie Bandy (Gerald), Margaret Swoverland (Richard), and Shirley Schmidt (Art); 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 18 nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Ruth Ellis (Davidson), and sister, Kristine Fuhrer (Ellis).

Funeral arrangements are with Brenny with services being held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes on October 15, 2026, at 3:00 pm. There will be a viewing 1 hour prior to the service. Interment at the Pine River Cemetery at a later date.